Serena Williams recently revealed that she will be attending the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards Jury Gala in New York City on November 8. Some tennis fans were unhappy with the decision, citing widespread neglect of Venus Williams’ contribution to the sport.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has been focusing her energy on her independent clothing brand “S by Serena” since retiring in 2022. Serena Williams was also popular for her tennis attire during her playing days. In this context, it makes sense that the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awarded her the Fashion Icon Award.
Some fans took to social media to support seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams. One fan thought this should be a joint award to celebrate the sisters’ contribution to the sport.
“I think this should be a joint celebration of Venus (Williams) and Serena’s contribution to bringing black fashion into mainstream sports. Don’t appreciate Venus being ignored in a moment of celebration and honor,” the user said wrote on Twitter.
Another fan highlighted that the Williams sisters played their part in the fashion revolution in women’s tennis. The fan further believes Venus Williams should win the award over her sister.
“Listen, I get feedback from people. But, it’s worth noting that the Williams sisters revolutionized women’s tennis fashion,” the user wrote on Twitter.
“That being said, I do think Venus is the sister who deserves this award,” the user added.
Another user posted:
“Serena (Williams) and Venus (Williams) have changed so much in tennis and beyond. Well done!! 👏👏🎾🏆🐐”
Here are more reactions from tennis fans:
“Venus and Serena Williams really opened doors for people of color in tennis, they are an inspiration to the world” – Patrick Mouratoglou
France head coach Patrick Mouratoglou recently expressed his deep admiration for the profound impact Venus and Serena Williams have had on the world of tennis. Recognizing their significant contribution, Mouratoglou praised the sisters for their role in diversifying the sport and providing a source of inspiration to countless people around the world.
Mouratoglou, who coached Serena Williams for more than a decade, emphasized the important role the Williams sisters have played in the tennis world. He acknowledged that they not only created opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds but also became symbols of global inspiration and encouragement.
“I think Serena and Venus Williams inspired a lot of African Americans and black people. They really opened doors for people of color. That’s the inspiration, that’s it. They’re an inspiration to the world,” Mouratoglou said in an interview with CNN.
Former world No. 1 Serena Williams and her sister Venus have a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles. The American pair won 14 Grand Slam titles as a powerful doubles team, charting the Williams sisters’ dominance in women’s tennis.
Venus Williams and Richard Priest recall a match the seven-time Grand Slam champion ‘should have won’